WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced on Tuesday that they will refuse to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify in a House committee’s investigation concerning Jeffrey Epstein.
In a letter shared on social media, the Clintons criticized the House Oversight probe, describing it as “legally invalid.” They claimed that the chair of the committee, Republican Rep. James Comer, is initiating a process that is “literally designed to result in our imprisonment.”
“We will forcefully defend ourselves,” the Clintons stated, asserting that other former officials have provided written statements to the committee while subpoenas against them are enforced selectively.
Comer has indicated that he will start contempt of Congress proceedings next week, which could lead to a complicated and politically fraught process resulting in possible prosecution by the Justice Department.
“No one’s accusing the Clintons of any wrongdoing. We just have questions,” Comer remarked after Bill Clinton failed to show up for a scheduled deposition.
Despite their past association with Epstein, Clinton has never been officially linked to any wrongdoing. Their relationship, reflected through a documented friendship from the 1990s and 2000s, is under scrutiny by Republicans who seek clarity on Epstein’s actions.
Epstein was arrested on federal sex trafficking and conspiracy charges in 2019 and died by suicide while waiting for trial in a New York jail.
“We’ve tried to provide what little information we have, as Mr. Epstein’s crimes were horrific,” the Clintons noted in their letter.
Historical precedent shows that while former presidents have voluntarily testified before Congress, none have been compelled. This points to the significant legal complexities surrounding the Clintons' case, particularly as Congress moves forward with potential contempt actions.
